Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg to skate with team Tuesday, but still no timeframe for his return

Michigan Live | Apr 14

Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg will practice with the team on Tuesday for the first time since before the Olympics.

Zetterberg, who skated lightly on his own a few times last week, won’t be going at close to full speed and might only be on the ice briefly. But it’s a notable step in his recovery from back surgery on Feb. 21.

“I don’t know if he’ll be in a full practice, but he’ll be on the ice at the start of it, be on for a little bit then get off,” general manager Ken Holland said. “Then we’ll see how he is Wednesday.”

It remains to be seen if Zetterberg can return late in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Bruins, a series that begins on Friday.

“There’s no timeframe,” Holland said. “We need another week before we can have any discussions where he’s at. It’s good news he’s going to skate with the team (Tuesday), but the bigger news is how does he feel on Wednesday. Then if he feels good enough skate on Wednesday the next bigger news will be how does he feel to skate on Thursday.”

Holland added, “He’s not playing this weekend. He might be out for the entire first round series.”

The club hopes Zetterberg can be cleared for physical contact next week.